A MAN missed out on the birth of his child after a brutal attack left him with severe brain damage and life-changing injuries.

The 26-year-old victim from Portugal is still unable to walk following the attack, which took place at about 5.30pm in St James Road in Eastbourne on October 8 last year. 

Four men have been convicted of the violent assault following a two week trial at Hove Crown Court.

The court heard how the four attackers, all Portuguese nationals, chased the victim into a dead-end road before brutally attacking him by punching, kicking and stamping on his head repeatedly.

The offenders’ kicks were so strong they were compared to those of someone playing football.

The attackers even tried to continue the assault after a passing fire crew stopped to give the victim vital first aid, the court heard. 

The four men left Eastbourne on the same day and were arrested in Southampton on October 11, having been stopped in two vehicles.

Bruno Tavares, 33, unemployed and from Seaside, Eastbourne, and Rui Pereira, 28, also unemployed and from London, both pleaded guilty to wounding with intent. 

Maximiliano Pereira, a 24-year-old cleaner from Seaside, Eastbourne, and Carlos Semedo, 25 and unemployed and of no fixed address, were both been found guilty of wounding with intent by the jury.

The men have all been remanded in custody for sentencing on a date yet to be confirmed.

The case’s investigating officer, DC Elliott Lander, said: “What these four men did to the victim that day changed his life and that of his family and friends forever. 

“He suffered such devastating injuries, it is only thanks to some incredible medical care that he has survived.

“Even now, more than a year after the attack, he is unable to walk and remains in long-term rehabilitation after suffering severe brain damage. 

“He missed out on the birth of his child and will have life-changing injuries forever.

“On behalf of Sussex Police, the victim and his family, I would like to thank those who came to his aid that day, especially the fire officers, and those who came forward to support our investigation after what must have been a traumatic and distressing incident to have witnessed.

“We welcome the guilty verdicts and anticipate lengthy sentences, which we hope will act as both a deterrent and a suitable reminder that such violence will not be tolerated in our community and offenders will swiftly be brought to justice.”